Plumbing Fixture Accessory

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to the field of accessories for plumbing fixtures having openings for a drain. More specifically, the present invention relates to a screen or guard device having a plurality of vertical members, which are connected to a plurality of horizontal cross members. The device can then be placed into the interior of a plumbing fixture enclosure such that the vertical members contact the sides of the interior area of the fixture and the horizontal cross members prevent an object from being thrown into the fixture and lost down the opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/233,563, which was filed on Aug. 16, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of plumbing fixture accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toilet or sink accessory for screening or catching items from falling into the toilet or sink and is comprised of a plurality of vertically extending members which are connected to a plurality of horizontal cross members which are generally perpendicular to the vertical members that form a generally rectangular and concave body. The device can then be placed into the interior of a toilet bowl or sink such that the vertical members contact the sides of the interior bowl and the horizontal cross members prevent any object from being thrown into the toilet and flushed or into a sink and down a disposal. In one embodiment, the vertical members may further be comprised of at least one fastener such as a suction cup, hook, latch or other suitable connecting element that aids in the retaining of the vertical members to protect the interior surface of the toilet bowl or sink. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Young children may often try to throw toys, clothes and other objects into a toilet bowl or sink. If a young child then attempts to flush said object down the toilet, serious clogging of the plumbing system can occur, or the disposal may break and there can be ensuing plumbing issues. This then requires that a homeowner hire a plumber to fix the clogging or replace the components of a disposal, which can be an expensive, labor-intensive and burdensome process.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet or into a disposal or drain connected to a sink. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet or sink screen device that can be removably-installed within a toilet bowl or sink to prevent a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet or losing items into the disposal or sink drain. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet or sink screen device that can be removably-installed within a toilet bowl or sink to prevent a child from flushing an object down a toilet, and that can be secured to the interior of a toilet bowl or sink. In addition, the present invention is adaptable to other openings, such as a sump pump hole, well, floor drains and other openings that one may encounter in a residential or commercial environment.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet or sink guard or screen device. The invention has a plurality of vertical members which are connected to a plurality of horizontal cross members that form a generally rectangular and concave body. The horizontal members are generally perpendicular to the horizontal members. In other embodiments, the guarding members can be positioned at angles as well as perpendicularly. The invention can then be placed into the interior of a toilet bowl, sink, well, drain or other opening, such that the vertical or supporting members contact the sides of the interior bowl, sink or drain walls and the horizontal cross members prevent any object from being thrown into the toilet and flushed or into a sink, well or other opening and lost in the drain or disposal. In one embodiment, the vertical or supporting members may further have at least one fastener or attachment such as a suction cup, latch, hook or the like, that aids in the retaining the vertical or supporting members onto the interior surface of the toilet bowl, side of the sink, walls of the well or other supporting structure.

In this manner, the toilet, drain screen or guard device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a device that prevents a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet, drain or other opening, where items can be easily lost. The device can also be removably-installed within a toilet bowl or sink to prevent a child from flushing an object down a toilet, sink or other opening. In addition, the invention can be secured to the interior of a toilet bowl, walls of the sink or other opening. In this manner, the toilet or drain guard or screen device provides a novel means to prevent a child from flushing an object down a toilet or things being lost down a drain or in a disposal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet or drain guard or screen device that has a body with a plurality of members extending in a first direction, which are connected to a plurality of cross members extending in a second direction distinct from the first direction. Further, the first members and second cross members may be rigid, semi-rigid and/or flexible (or any combination thereof) in differing embodiments. The first members and second members may be disposed perpendicularly to one another, at angles or a combination of patterns to accomplish the protection of the opening. In the preferred embodiment, the body has at least two vertical members and at least two (but preferably five) horizontal cross members. The at least two vertical members are preferably rigid and/or semi-rigid. In addition, the cross members may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The first end and second end of the cross members are further fixedly or removably-attached to the vertical members to form a generally rectangular body that is also generally concave when placed within the interior bowl of a toilet, sink, well or other opening. In addition, the screen or guard can be placed over the top of a bucket to allow filtering or screening of material.

While in the interior bowl of the toilet or walls of the sink, the device is preferably placed onto the interior of a toilet bowl or sink, such that the device rests over top of and partially obstructs the opening of the toilet, sink or other opening. In one embodiment, the vertical members may be weighted and textured such that they grip the sides of the interior of the toilet bowl, sink or other opening. Alternatively or additionally, any portion of the outer surface of one set of members may have at least one fastener that can be used to secure the device into a position within the bowl, sink or well interior.

After being positioned within a toilet bowl or sink interior the invention prevents objects from being flushed down a toilet or other opening, such as a drain, disposal, well or the like. More specifically, the horizontal cross members act to catch any object that may be thrown into the toilet bowl or sink interior by a child or other individual, and therefore prevents the object from being flushed or entering the drain or disposal by blocking the opening. In a further embodiment, a mesh netting, screen or guard can be fixedly or removably-attached to the cross members via at least one fastener or tie to further prevent smaller objects from slipping between the horizontal cross members. The mesh is provided to cover a portion of the first and second members or the vertical and horizontal members.

Accordingly, the toilet or drain screen device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it prevents a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet or losing items down a drain or other opening. The device can also be removably-installed within a toilet bowl or drain to prevent a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet or drain. In addition, the invention can be secured to the interior of a toilet bowl, sink or other opening. In this manner, the toilet or drain screen device provides a novel means to prevent a child from flushing an object down a toilet, drain or other opening.

In a yet further embodiment, a combination plumbing fixture and screen for an opening in the fixture is disclosed and includes a plumbing fixture having an opening. A screen having a body, with the body sized and configured to fit over the opening. The body formed by a plurality of first members and a plurality of second members and the body creating a shape. The first members disposed at an angle distinct from the second members. A mesh provided over a portion of the first and second members.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet or drain screen or guarding device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet or drain screen or guarding device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toilet or drain screen device of the present invention while installed within a toilet in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side and partially cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of the toilet or drain screen or guard device of the present invention installed within a toilet in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toilet or drain screen device of the present invention while installed within a toilet in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagrammatic view of the guard or screen of the present invention disposed over a plurality of different types of drain openings, as well as different configurations of the first and second members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet, drain or other opening where objects can cause problems with the plumbing or use of the device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet or other opening screen or guarding device that can be removably-installed within a toilet bowl, sink, well, floor drain or other opening to prevent a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet, drain or other opening. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet, drain or other opening screen or guarding device that can be removably-installed within a toilet bowl, sink or other drain enclosure to prevent a child from flushing an object down a toilet or drain that can be secured to the interior of a toilet bowl, sink or enclosure for the drain.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, a screen device is provided and includes a body that has a plurality of first or vertical members which are connected to a plurality of second or horizontal cross members. Further, the first or vertical members and second or horizontal cross members may be rigid, semi-rigid and/or flexible (or any combination thereof) in differing embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, the body has at least two vertical members and at least two (but preferably five) horizontal cross members. The at least two vertical members are preferably rigid and/or semi-rigid. In addition, the cross members may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The first end and second end of the cross members are further fixedly or removably attached to the first or vertical members to form a generally rectangular or other shaped body that forms a generally concave configuration when placed within the interior of a bowl of a toilet, sink, walls of a well or other enclosure.

While in the interior of the toilet, sink, well or other opening, the device is preferably placed onto the interior of a supporting structure, such that the device rests over top of and partially obstructs the opening of the toilet, drain or other opening. In one embodiment, the vertical members may be weighted and textured such that they grip the sides of the interior of the structure around the opening which the guard is protecting. Alternatively or additionally, any portion of the outer surface of the vertical members may have at least one fastener that can be used to secure the invention into a position within the interior of the structure having the drain.

After being positioned within a supporting structure interior, the device prevents objects from being flushed down a toilet opening, sink drain or other opening. More specifically, the horizontal cross members act to catch any object that may be thrown into the toilet bowl or other opening by a child or other individual, and therefore prevents the object from being flushed by blocking the opening. In one embodiment, a mesh netting screen can be fixedly or removably-attached to the horizontal cross members via at least one fastener to further prevent smaller objects from slipping between the second or horizontal cross member. The mesh is provided to cover a portion of the first and second members or the vertical and horizontal members.

Accordingly, the opening screen or guarding device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it prevents a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet, drain or other opening. The device can also be removably-installed within a toilet bowl, sink or other housing to prevent a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet, drain or other opening. In addition, the invention can be secured to the interior of a toilet bowl, sink or other enclosure having a drain opening. In this manner, the toilet screen or guarding device provides a novel device to prevent a child or other individual from flushing an object down a toilet, drain or other opening.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a screen or guarding device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The device 100 has a body 110 with a plurality of first or vertical members 120, which are connected to a plurality of second or horizontal cross members 150. In the preferred embodiment, the body 110 is made from a metal or a plastic such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, or combinations thereof. Further, the first or vertical members 120 and second or horizontal cross members 150 may be rigid, semi-rigid and/or flexible (or any combination thereof) in differing embodiments. Further, in differing embodiments the first or vertical members 120 and second or horizontal cross members 150 may be any color known in the art and may be opaque, transparent or semi-transparent. In addition, the first or vertical members 120 and second or horizontal cross members 150 may have a plurality of indicia 160 such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands or combinations thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the body 110 has at least two vertical members 120 and at least two (but preferably five) horizontal cross members 150. The at least two vertical members 120 are preferably rigid and/or semi-rigid. In addition, the cross members 150 may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The first end 152 and second end 154 of the cross members 150 are further fixedly or removably-attached to the vertical members 120 to form a generally rectangular, square, triangular, circular body or other shape 110 that forms a generally concave shape when placed within the interior of an enclosure for a drain 12 such as a toilet 5 (as best seen in FIG. 3 ). In a further embodiment, seen in FIG. 1B, the vertical members 120 have at least one tubular protrusion 122 that are positioned perpendicularly to the vertical member 120. The protrusion 122 may have a continuous opening 124 that receives at least one horizontal member 150 and in a removable or fixedly-attached fashion. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the second or horizontal members of the device are shaped 131 producing the concave configuration.

As seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the device 100 is preferably placed onto the interior area 12 of a plumbing accessory, such as a toilet, such that the invention 100 rests over top of and partially obstructs the opening 14 of the toilet 5. In one embodiment, the vertical members 120 may be weighted and/or textured such that they grip the sides 13 of the interior area 12 of the toilet bowl. The textured areas may be a rubberized material, silicone or other non-slip material. The first and second members may have an antibacterial, antimicrobial or other germ or bacteria-preventative coating to prevent germs and bacteria from building up on the members to keep the individual safe during insertion and removal of the members. However, in a differing embodiment any portion of the outer surface 120 of the vertical members 120 may have at least one fastener 140. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one fastener is at least one suction cup that can be pressed to the sides 13 of the toilet bowl interior 12 to secure the device 100 into a position within the interior 12. However, in differing embodiments the fastener 140 may be any fastener known in the art such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, hooks, clips, latches, a magnet, an adhesive or combinations thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a screen or guard device 100 of the present invention while installed within an interior of an opening having a drain in accordance with the disclosed specification. After being positioned within the interior 12 as described above, the device 100 prevents objects from being flushed down an opening 14. More specifically, the horizontal cross members 150 act to catch any object 10 that may be thrown into the interior 12 of the toilet by a child or other individual, and therefore prevents the object 10 from blocking the opening 14. In an additional embodiment, a mesh netting/screen 170 can be fixedly or removably-attached to the horizontal cross members 150 and/or at least two vertical members 120 via at least one fastener 160 such as, but not limited to, adhesive, magnet, hook and loop, hook, latch, adhesive, screw, nail, tie, tongue and groove or combinations thereof to further prevent smaller objects 10 from slipping between the horizontal cross member 150.

As a result of such shape, the horizontal cross members 150 are partially submerged below the water line 16 of a toilet 5 (as best seen in FIG. 3 ). Further, the vertical members 120 preferably sit above the water line 16 of a toilet 5. However, in differing embodiments any part of any member 120, 150 may be fully or partially submerged under the water line 16. In addition, the device 100 can be easily removed from the interior 12 as needed when a user desires to use the device 100. Therefore, the device 100 prevents children or other individuals from tossing objects 10 into a toilet 5 or other opening and then flushing the items, which can cause severe plumbing issues and repairs.

FIG. 5 provides a number of different configurations for use with the present invention, including a well opening 501, sink opening 503 and floor drain opening 505. The well opening 501 shows the guard 502 positioned generally over the well opening. The guard or screen 504 is shown covering a drain opening 506. The additional embodiment shows a different configuration of the guard or screen 507 and 508 showing an angular arrangement and a perpendicular arrangement covering the opening 510. Mesh 522 is shown over the drain or opening in the sink 520.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “toilet screen device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the toilet screen device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the toilet screen device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the toilet screen device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the toilet screen device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the toilet screen device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the toilet screen device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A guard for an opening in a plumbing, the guard comprising: a first set of members extending in a first direction; and a second set of members extending in a second direction, wherein the second direction is distinct from the first direction and cover the opening, and further wherein the guard is removably held over the opening in the plumbing.
 2. The guard as recited in claim 1, wherein the first set of members is disposed perpendicularly to the second set of members.
 3. The guard as recited in claim 1, wherein the first set of members are disposed at an angle to the second set of members.
 4. The guard as recited in claim 1, wherein a mesh is provided over at least a portion of the first and second set of members.
 5. The guard as recited in claim 1, wherein the first set of members is provided with a fastener.
 6. The guard as recited in claim 5, wherein the fastener is one of a hook and loop fastener, a hook, a clip, a latch, a magnet, an adhesive or a combination thereof.
 7. The guard as recited in claim 1, wherein the first set of members has a textured surface.
 8. The guard as recited in claim 7, wherein the textured surface is one of a rubberized material, a silicone material or a non-slip material.
 9. The guard as recited in claim 1 further comprising an antibacterial, antimicrobial or other germ or bacteria preventative coating.
 10. The guard as recited in claim 1, wherein the second set of members comprise a concave configuration.
 11. The guard as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second set of members form a body having a generally rectangular, square, triangular or circular shape.
 12. A combination device for covering an opening in a plumbing apparatus, the combination device comprising: a screen having a body, with the body sized and configured to fit over the opening; the body formed by a plurality of first members and a plurality of second members that form a shape; and a mesh provided over a portion of the first and second plurality of members.
 13. The combination device as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of first members are disposed perpendicularly to the plurality of second members.
 14. The combination device as recited in claim 12, wherein first members are disposed at an angle to the plurality of second members.
 15. The combination device as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of first members are comprised of a textured surface.
 16. The combination device as recited in claim 15, wherein the textured surface is one of a rubberized material, a silicone material or a non-slip material.
 17. The combination device as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of first and second members comprise an antibacterial, antimicrobial, or other germ or bacteria preventative coating.
 18. The combination device as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of first members are provided with a fastener.
 19. The combination device as recited in claim 18, wherein the fastener is one of a hook and loop fastener, a hook, a clip, a latch, a magnet, an adhesive or a combination thereof.
 20. A screen for a drain, the screen comprising: a plurality of vertical members; a plurality of horizontal members; the plurality of vertical members and horizontal members forming a body having a configuration that is a select one of a rectangle, a square, a triangle or a circular shape; the plurality of vertical members are disposed perpendicularly to the plurality of horizontal members; and the plurality of vertical members comprise a textured surface made from a select one of a rubberized material, a silicone material or a non-slip material. 